Research Question: The research question is the single most important part of the scientific method. Every part of your project is done to answer this question. The research question is sometimes formed as a statement and is called the "Problem" or "Problem Statement."
Hypothesis: The hypothesis is an "educated guess," formed as a statement, that you propose to be the answer to the research question. An educated guess is based on some prior knowledge.
Experimental Design: Plan an experiment in which you can test your hypothesis.
Variables: The experiment will contain an element or elements that do not change (called controlled variables or dependent variables) and elements that will change (called manipulated variables or independent variables).
Control: The control is a particular sample that is treated the same as all the rest of the samples except that it is not exposed to manipulated variables.
Observation: When you interact with your experiment, you are using your senses to observe. Does it have a smell, make a noise have color, etc.?
Collect Data: As you observe your experiment, you will need to record the progress of your experiment. Data can be whatever you observe about your experiment that may or may not change during the time of the experimentation. Examples of data are values in pH, temperature, a measurement of growth, color, distance, etc.
Journal: All scientists keep a record of their observations in some form of a journal. The journal will begin with the date and time the experimentor collects the data. Sometimes data will include environmental values such as humidity, temperature, etc. Entries must be written clearly and with detail of description so that another scientist can read the journal, simulate the conditions of the experiment, and repeat the experiment exactly.
Data: The data are the values written down as the experiment progresses. Examples of data entry on measuring plant growth:
11/15/04 Control Plant 7.4 mm
Test Plant 16.2 mm
Test Plant 24.9 mm
Test Plant 37.2 mm
11/22/04 Control Plant 7.8 mm
Test Plant 15.9 mm
Test Plant 23.2 mm
Test Plant 37.2 mm
Charts & Graphs: When at all possible, illustrations of data are advisable. They create a professional appearance and convey a great deal of information. Examples include: Bar Graph, Pie Chart, X & Y axis Graph, Histogram, etc. Read More
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